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Gettin' Jiggy...
- Sunday, October 29, 2006
I finally received my long awaited wire jig, and various wire. And I went out and bought the knitting needles I needed to make jump rings. Yay!!!
So, here are the latest projects - I did all these yesterday and today.
The first used the jig to make the clover-shaped links in the bracelet. Also in the photo is a bracelet made entirely of jump rings with beads - the pattern is called Coda Weave Chain Maille. I skipped the extra strip/ruffle of seed beads - we all know how I feel about them:) Also in the photo is another wire wrapped bracelet. It was supposed to be bug-shaped beads to make a "buggy" bracelet, but I'm not huge on following a recipe to the T. I just used what I had, so decided on clear and black glass beads.
The next project was a pair of earrings made with the jig. Again, the clover-shaped component is made on the jig. I also mismatched the top beads since I didn't have matching, but I really like it that way. 
Next was jump rings!!!! I've been waiting and waiting to learn these. They seem boring, but once you can make them you can make chains from scratch. Or a chain maille shirt, if you want. The bracelet above with the turqouise beads was made entirely with jump rings. And the last necklace on this post also was. The calender has Wire and Cord Fan Choker next, but since I really don't like fan necklaces (and couldn't find a bead fan locally) I chose some unidentified semi-precious stones. They are gorgeous earthy colors. I didn't finish the choker like I should've, but didn't really have the right closures so I just tied knots around the clasps - lame, I know. 
Then the last project is the jumpring/chain maille necklace. I love it and even though the calendar calls for crystal drops to be added I think I will skip it for now. I think it's so pretty as is. I'm also very shocked I made such an intricate link. Obviously, I only made a certain length of the necklace - the rest is just a silver chain I attached to either end. Just like in the project instructions - see I can follow them sometimes:) I wish the photos were better - sorry! 
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Knotting ham....
- Friday, October 27, 2006
So, it's been a while since last post. I've been working on the knotting days on the calendar.
First, let me say that I hiked my butt all the way down to the East Trail in Naples to go see what Bead It (another bead store) had to offer. I got there and they were closed despite their posted hours. Very, very frustrating. What a let down!!!
So, anyway, I ended up back at Naples Bead Shop & asked what size silk cord I would need for knotting. They are very helpful! I also got to see how they do it, since a class was being given right then. Super cool! The secret is using tweezers - which I knew you used in that class, but was puzzled as to how. Now I know!!!
So, of course I ran with my pirated knowledge, all the way home, giggling an evil giggle.
I first tried my hand on single knotting - the "right" way to do it. With my new knowledge, it was a cinch.
So, this look like mardi gras beads - I realize. But I felt confident with the technique. That's what's important, right?
Then I tried the "cheater's" way - double knotting & there was just too much string I was working with so I pooped out. I'm all about the single knotting!
So, then I redid the one I was working on as a single. I like it - it's like dirty because of the cheap glass beads I used along with the (cheap) pearls AND I used a dark thread with a lighter bead, which you're not supposed to do - you're supposed to match the beads to the thread. Here it is:
I really like the feel of th knotted necklace as opposed to a wire strung beaded necklace. It's somehow richer, maybe heavier? No wonder they string the perennial classic pearls on silk.
So here's the next project - it's just glass beads, but I really like it. This is one of those pieces that I'll wear more than once.
Then, this one I just did last night. It's a double strand - my first:) It was tricky to get both cords even on the clasps. These all use end cones that go over the spot where the cord ties to the clasp. I definitely want to learn to use end caps - they seem like they would be easier. If the end cones are not long enough, they don't cover your cord & wire wrap that attachs it to the clasp.
Here are a couple bonus projects - I did the illusion necklace & earrings before I got the knotting cord. You can see that the earring is so light that it is escaping from my ear. Maybe that's why no one does illusion earrings? 
 One more - I finally did a set of briolet drops. I love briolets, but it will take me a lot of practice before my wraps for them will be acceptable. They are so, so easy to get crooked or to run out of wire before you're actually done. Sorry for the crap picture.
Well that's it for now. I got my wire & jig in the mail today, but I got half-round wire which won't work for what I need it for. I may have to
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More wire wrapping...
- Friday, October 20, 2006
I've just been doing my assignments from the calendar religiously & I definitely feel comfortable with wire wrapping. I'm hoping to buy the silk thread I need tomorro, so I can move on to knotting for a while. I'll keep you posted! Wire-wrapped bracelet:
 
Wire-wrapped necklace:
I'm counting the pink set from last post as a Wire-Wrapped Nacklace & Bracelet set. And the following project is a Wire Wrapping Necklace & Chain. I chose to do an assymetrical style and through in some beads as links as well:
 
And this last one is another of those, "Huh, I wonder why this wasn't on page on?" ones. I made two for a couple little girls I know:
 
Well, I'm on tenterhooks waiting to get started knotting. I'll keep ya'll up-to-date on how it's going!
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All wrapped up...
- Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I've been practicing my wire-wrapping like a good girl.
I've made a necklace, earring, bracelet set & a necklace & charm bracelet set.
      
I'm happy with all of it, except I may change the chains on the pink earrings out for daintier ones. That bulky chain is all I had to work with at the time, though. It worked really well for the necklaces and especially for the charm bracelet.
The pink set was done the night after the wire wrapping class, since I bought those pretty beads at NPS that day.
The "Y" necklace is from a magazine I bought put out by Bead & Button. They have a few books out - this is one that I want soon!
The charm bracelet is from the wonderful calendar (see below): I actually had to skip a few projects in it & it's killing me. The teacher at Naples Bead Shop recommended I do the knotting class next. Since that was coming up in the calendar I got the supplies & decided I'd try it myself. I don't see myself using it a lot, so I thought I could just follow directions enough to get through those projects. Well, half the battle is having the correct supplies. I had gotten beaders thread instead of the silk thread that I needed - which comes in different thicknesses, which is key. So I got myself all frustrated trying to do it. This weekend I'm going to check out another bead store in town - Bead It. I'm going to be a dork & take my beads in & ask what thickness to use & buy it. If I still can't get it I'll take the knotting class at NBS - but there's not another one till next Friday so I'm dying here. So anyway, I skipped to the wire wrapping project in the calendar & will do those till the weekend when I can get the coveted silk thread. I'm about two-thirds through the craft wire I got to practice on. When I'm done with that I'll be buying REAL silver wire next. EEEEEK!
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Strung Out...
- Saturday, October 14, 2006
Class #2 today. I realized I cannot afford this. It is a dangerous addiction! Every class I go to I end up buying the supplies to make the PERFECT piece. This is bad for my bank account.
So, I think I will suspend my class attendance for a while. I will continue to work on my "assignments" from the calender, and in November jewelry classes start at the Bonita Art League. Those classes are a little more expensive than the ones at NBS, but - more importantly - they charge you a flat 'materials fee'. That way I know what I'll be spending each class/session. Can't wait!! The first multi-week course I'll be taking is PMC Jewelry. Am I ready for that?
Anyway - the fun part - the photos!
I made these in the wire wrapping class today. And, of course, I learned so much that I didn't know. I love these! They have gorgeous movement and they're made with my favorite chain - a rolo.
OK, so then I went home & did a couple of assignments that I've been waiting to do. I finally found double-drilled beads at NBS to use. The first was a pair of earrings. I'm finding that once I know the techniques needed I don't look at the instructions.
I think they are really pretty, but don't have the movement I would like them to. I'm going to re-do them and leave a little more room on the wire. That may do the trick.
The next project was a beaded watch. I did all black - I like simple.
 
Then, the calender offered an easy one. Why this wasn't first, I don't know. That was an elastic beaded bracelet. Being systematic in my habits, of course I did it. I will say, I am skipping the peyote bead projects. Even though I am impressed by these projects - they take a lot of skill & patience - I personally don't like the look of them. Some photos of pieces I've seen are very impressive, but I think it is an art in and of itself that I'm not willing to learn.
Well that's it for now. I am practicing my wire wrapping, so I'll post soon with photos of those!
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Target located...
- Friday, October 13, 2006
So, after that first whirlwind day of shopping and making, my husband and I decided to go out to dinner with friends. We pulled into the parking lot of the resturant that Saturday night, and, there it was. The Naples Bead Shop. I rushed to go in & check it out, even before meeting our friends. Alas, it was closed for the day. What a let down. I peered in their windows & made puppy dog eyes, but to no avail.
I had to wait almost a week before I was able to return. It was lovely. They have a wonderful assortment of beads, finding, clasps, etc. They even have gorgeous handmade jewelry on display. And most importantly of all - they have classes! I snatched up the list immediately. I was ready to take the next class which was right then. They recommended I take some of the easier, beginner type classes first - which is fine by me. Baby steps... So I came back the next day and took my first class.
Anyway, here is the necklace I made in that class. It is made of obsidian beads, with sterling silver diamond-cut for accents. I used a toggle clasp. You can actually turn it backwards for a second, less dressy look. I'm not super happy with it - the beads don't lay flat & the toggle lets go sometimes, but I'm glad I took the class as I learned plenty I didn't know already. And I'll probably just take it apart and figure out something else to do with those gorgeous, luminescent beads.
So then, over the next couple days I spent plenty of time practicing my new skills:
I also started to use the daily calender to give myself "assignments".
The first one was to learn how to do a sliding knot. I found a beautiful bead at NBS (Naples Bead Store) and made it into a pendant for that project.
The next one was a Spring Crimp Bracelet. That's it in the above photo - the left-most bracelet. The main thing I learned with this was how to finish the ends of the bracelet with the spring crimps, then I attached a lobster claw clasp.
After that was how to do a bead necklace. Um....I've already done this, but thought it a good exercise anyway. I wanted to try my hand at coordinating beads for a symmetrical look to see how it would turn out. This is it below. It actually coordinates well with the one I made in class.
Well, I take my second class tomorrow. I'll be learning wire wrapping. I know the basics, but definitely need improvement. Besides, nothing beats hands on learning from people who know their stuff backwards & forwards.
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And it begins...
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So...I've been wanting to learn how to make jewelry for years now. But previously I've turned my nose up at beading and the more crafty techniques. I wanted to learn "real" jewelry design - i.e. metalsmithing, etc. I think I've changed my mind, or if not exactly changed my mind, I am more open to taking baby steps toward my goal - including learning to "bead".
I was in Borders bookstore one day, and for some reason it occurred to me to look at the jewelry making books. I spent atleast an hour there, on the floor, trying to find the right instruction. I ended up buying "Glamorous Beaded Jewelry" and a beginner's kit. This is the book - it's really good. It got me really excited about what I would be able to do.
I had caught the bug! The next day I went to Michael's Crafts, Jo-ann's Fabrics AND Target looking for more bits and pieces. I got a few clearance kits at Target & found a day-by-day beading calender at Joann's. This is the calender - I love, love, love this!
This is what I made those first couple days with those kits:
   
Now, all I can think about is what I can do next.....
Where to turn????
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